Emergency recording on an information recording apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises an information recording apparatus ( 1 ) incorporating a memory device ( 3 ) having a defined quantity of storage space, and an interface ( 2 ) for use by a user in initiating the recordal of data onto the memory device ( 3 ), wherein a selected portion of the storage space of the memory device is reserved for the recording of data in an emergency situation and the interface is configured such that instructions to record data to the selected portion of the memory device are effected by means separate from those used to initiate recordal of data in the remainder of the memory device.

The present invention relates to methods for recording of data on adigital recording device where storage space in the memory of thatdevice is limited. The device may be, for example, a digital videorecording apparatus.

It is known from GB 2 365 180 to prioritise data records historicallystored in a memory of a digital information recording device (forexample a camera) and to compress records according to their priorityrating so as to provide sufficient space for the storage of a newrecord.

It is known from U.S. 2001/0006403 A1 to manage filing of data stored ina memory of a television receiving apparatus by firstly prioritisingfiles and then reorganising them to create space for a new data item tobe recorded. Files having a lower priority associated therewith may bedeleted automatically to provide space for a new record.

Such arrangements typically require input from a user to assist inprioritising individual records and to authorise deletion of records. Insome circumstances, it may not be convenient or even possible for theuser to provide such input, yet the user may desire instantly to recorda data item. Such a case may arise where a user sets a video recorder torecord a live action TV broadcast and there is no time prior to thestart of the broadcast to free space in the memory of the recordingapparatus. Alternatively, the user may set his recording apparatus via atimer and may not be available when the recording is initiated toprovide input on file reorganisation or deletion.

An object of the present invention is to provide an emergency recordingfacility which does not require the deletion or reorganisation of filesalready stored in a memory prior to recording of a new file.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides aninformation recording apparatus incorporating a memory device having adefined quantity of storage space and an interface for use by a user ininitiating the recordal of data onto the memory device, wherein aselected portion of the storage space of the memory device is reservedfor the recording of data in an emergency situation and the interface isconfigured such that instructions to record data to the selected portionof the memory device are effected by means separate from those used toinitiate recordal of data in the remainder of the memory device.

The information recording apparatus is, optionally, a digital videorecording apparatus and may, but does not essentially, form part of atelevision broadcast receiving and viewing apparatus, for exampleapparatus commonly referred to as personal video recorders (PVRs). Theinvention may equally be extended to other information recordingapparatus, for example music player/recorders, digital cameras, personaldigital assistants (PDAs), personal computers (PCs) or digitaltelephones.

The interface may be of any conventional form, for example but withoutlimitation, a remote control handset, a control panel provided on thebody of the apparatus or an on screen menu display from which desiredoperations of the recording apparatus can be selected. The means forinitiating recordal of a data item to the selected portion of the memorydevice may be embodied in the form of an emergency record button (whichmay be an icon provided on a screen display).

By reserving dedicated space in the memory of the apparatus, the user isalways able to record a data item without sacrificing any data alreadystored in the remainder of the memory. The user then has the opportunityto reorganise/rationalise the data stored in the remainder of the memoryto provide space for long-term storage of any data item stored in theselected portion of the memory device. The interface desirably furtherprovides means for initiating transfer of data stored in the selectedportion to an available location in the remainder of the memory device.

In a commercial embodiment of the invention, data stored in the selectedportion of the memory device may optionally be encrypted or otherwiserendered inaccessible by, for example, the provider of the apparatus (orthe memory device thereof) or the supplier of the recorded data. Adecryption key (or other means for enabling access to the inaccessiblerecorded data) may be provided in return for payment of a fee.

Typically, the selected portion of the memory device is configured suchthat, in the absence of sufficient available storage space therein,previously recorded data will be overwritten so that the latest datadesignated for recordal in an emergency situation is always recorded.

The memory device may take any known form, for example a CD, DVD,mini-disc, digital tape, or a hard disk. The memory device may becontained within the apparatus itself or may be situated at a remotelocation, the apparatus incorporating telecommunication meansfacilitating the initiating of recordal of data to and the download ofrecorded data from the memory device.

The apparatus preferably includes a controller for managing storage andretrieval operations within the memory device. The controller optionallycomprises a microprocessor programmed to perform certain operationsincluding storage and retrieval of data. The controller may further beconfigured to carry out financial transactions between a user of theapparatus and a supplier of data to be recorded or a supplier ofemergency memory in the selected portion of the memory device.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for storing a defineddata item in response to an emergency instruction comprising;

-   -   locating a selected portion of a memory device reserved for the        storage of data items in an emergency situation;    -   downloading the defined data item from its source; and    -   recording the defined data item onto the selected portion.

Optionally, the method may further include a step of determining thespace required for storing the defined data item, checking the spaceavailable in the selected portion and if the latter is less than theformer, reorganising the pre-recorded data in the selected portion so asto provide the space required for storing the data item.

Optionally, the step of reorganising may include compressingpre-recorded data stored in the selected portion. Additionally, or inthe alternative, the step of reorganising may include deleting oroverwriting pre-recorded data.

In a further option, the method may include the step of encrypting thedefined data item. Where the data item is encrypted, the method mayfurther include a step of receiving authorisation for payment of a feeby the user of the apparatus and in response, decrypting the data item.

In an alternative, the method may include the step of receivingauthorisation for payment of a fee by the user prior to the step ofdownloading the defined data item.

The controller of the apparatus may further be configured tointelligently handle instructions to record data items. For example,where instructions are provided to record data through means ordinarilyused to initiate recordal of data in the remainder of the memory device,the controller may search for an appropriate amount of available spaceand if insufficient space is found, the controller may interpret theinstruction as an instruction to record data to the selected portion ofthe device and proceed to carry out the aforementioned method.

In another aspect therefore, the invention provides a method for storinga defined data item in an information recording apparatus incorporating;a memory device having a defined quantity of storage space, and aninterface for use by a user in initiating the recordal of data onto thememory device, and wherein a selected portion of the storage space ofthe memory device is reserved for the recording of data in an emergencysituation, comprising;

-   -   determining the space required for storing the defined data        item;    -   checking the space available in the remainder of the memory        device and if the latter is less than the former;    -   locating a selected portion of the memory device;    -   downloading the defined data item from its source; and    -   recording the defined data item onto the selected portion.

Optionally, the method may further include, checking the space availablein the selected portion and if the latter is less than the spacerequired for recording the defined data item, reorganising thepre-recorded data in the selected portion so as to provide the spacerequired for storing the data item.

Optionally, the step of reorganising may include compressingpre-recorded data stored in the selected portion. Additionally, or inthe alternative, the step of reorganising may include deleting oroverwriting pre-recorded data.

In a further option, the method may include the step of encrypting thedefined data item. Where the data item is encrypted, the method mayfurther include a step of receiving authorisation for payment of a feeby the user of the apparatus and in response, decrypting the data item.

For the purposes of exemplification some embodiments of the inventionwill now be further described with reference to the following Figures inwhich;

FIG. 1 shows schematically one embodiment of the apparatus of theinvention, and

FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically the steps performed by an example of amethod in accordance with the invention.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention is providedin the form of a television set top box 1 of the type commonly used forproviding services such as a TiVO™, ReplayTV™, or Open Source. The box 1encloses a controller 4 and a hard disk 3 that provides memory storagespace. An interface is provided in the form of a remote control handset2 from which signals instructing the controller 4 are transmitted. Thesignals are received by a receiver 5 located on the box 1 andcommunicating with the controller 3.

The remote control handset has a main control panel 6 and a separatelylocated button 7 for initiating the emergency record function. Thenormal record function can be effected through the main control panel 6.

Each button on the handset has associated with it a pre-programmedinstruction to the controller 4. When the instruction is received, therequested operation is performed by the controller. In the embodimentshown, the handset 2 has two buttons for instructing the controller 4 toperform a record operation. One is located in the main control panel 6of the handset 2 and the other is the emergency record button 7. Theprogram associated with each of these buttons is configured to instructthe controller to record data only in a defined region of the hard disk3. In the case of button 7, this defined region of the hard diskcorresponds to the selected portion described hereinabove. In addition,the program associated with button 7 may include an instruction tooverwrite pre-recorded data already stored in the selected portion ifthere is insufficient space available in it to store the requested data.In this particular embodiment, the data to be recorded will be a TVbroadcast receivable by the box 1 and which can be downloaded to thehard disk 3 on request.

The method performed by a controller of an information recording addressin accordance with the invention is summarised in the flow chart of FIG.2. The steps carried by the controller are outlined by a broken linebox.

As can be seen, on receipt of an instruction to record in an emergency,the controller locates the space in the memory device that is reservedfor emergency recording. Having identified the data to be stored, thecontroller optionally determines the space required to store it and thensearches the emergency storage facility for sufficient space to recordthe requested data. If insufficient space is found, a reorganising ofpre-stored data is performed. If there remains insufficient space, thecontroller begins deleting pre-recorded data so as to create space. Oncespace is available, the data is downloaded and stored.

In a simpler, alternative embodiment, the data is downloaded directlyand written over any pre-recorded data in the emergency storagefacility. In the embodiment shown, the downloaded data is encrypted witha code not known to the user of the apparatus. When the user attempts toaccess the recorded data file, the controller generates a message to theuser displayed via the interface, requesting authorisation to deductpayment from an account. Once authorisation is received and validated(using conventional means), the data is decrypted and can be accessed bythe user. Additionally, in the particular example shown, the controllergenerates a message to the customer giving him an option to copy thedata to the main memory of the apparatus for long term storage. If theresponse is in the positive, the decrypted file is copied to the mainpart of the memory device.

1. An information recording apparatus (1) incorporating; a memory device(3) having a defined quantity of storage space, and an interface (2) foruse by a user in initiating the recordal of data onto the memory device(3), wherein a selected portion of the storage space of the memorydevice (3) is reserved for the recording of data in an emergencysituation and the interface (2) is configured such that instructions torecord data to the selected portion of the memory device (3) areeffected by means separate from those used to initiate recordal of datain the remainder of the memory device.
 2. An information recordingapparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the information recordingapparatus is a digital video recording apparatus.
 3. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the information recording apparatus isselected from a music player/recorder, a digital camera, personaldigital assistant (PDA), a personal computer (PCs) or a digitaltelephone.
 4. An information recording apparatus as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the interface is selected from; a remote control handset,a control panel provided on the body of the apparatus or an on screenmenu display from which desired operations of the recording apparatuscan be selected.
 5. An information recording apparatus as claimed in anypreceding claim wherein the means for initiating recordal of a data itemto the selected portion of the memory device is embodied in the form ofan emergency record button.
 6. An information recording apparatus asclaimed in claim 5 wherein the emergency record button is in the form ofan icon provided on a screen display.
 7. An information recordingapparatus as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising anencoding device for encoding data to be stored in the selected portion.8. An information recording apparatus as claimed in any preceding claimwherein the memory device consists of a CD, DVD, mini-disc, digital tapeor a hard disk.
 9. An information recording apparatus as claimed in anypreceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a controller (4) formanaging storage and retrieval operations within the memory device. 10.An information recording apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein thecontroller (4) comprises a microprocessor (4) programmed to performcertain operations including storage and retrieval of data.
 11. Aninformation recording apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein thecontroller (4) is configured to carry out financial transactions betweena user of the apparatus and a supplier of data to be recorded, or asupplier of emergency memory in the selected portion of the memorydevice.
 12. A method for storing a defined data item in an informationrecording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 comprising;determining the space required for storing the defined data item;checking the space available in the remainder of the memory device andif the latter is less than the former; locating a selected portion ofthe memory device; downloading the defined data item from its source;and recording the defined data item onto the selected portion.
 13. Amethod as claimed in claim 12 further comprising; checking the spaceavailable in the selected portion and if the latter is less than thespace required for recording the defined data item, reorganising thepre-recorded data in the selected portion so as to provide the spacerequired for storing the data item.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 13wherein the step of reorganising include compressing pre-recorded datastored in the selected portion.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or14 wherein the step of reorganising includes deleting or overwritingpre-recorded data.
 16. A method as claimed in any of claims 12 to 15further comprising a step of encrypting the defined data item.
 17. Amethod as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a step of receivingauthorisation for payment of a fee by the user of the apparatus and inresponse, decrypting the data item.